Jarrett to Toyota pretty much a done deal

[LongislikeKulwicki]

Ford furious with Jarrett's defection: Ford officials are none too pleased with the apparent loss of Dale Jarrett, who will announce his decision to join Michael Waltrip Racing later this weekend (live on SPEED, Saturday at 12:00pm/et). All but two of Jarrett's 32 career Cup wins have come behind the wheel of a blue-ovaled automobile, as did his 1999 Winston Cup title. In addition, Jarrett's father, Ned, won both of his Cup titles as a Ford factory driver, and Dale Jarrett Ford is one of the largest Ford dealerships in the country, located in Monroe, NC about one hour north of Darlington. Priority number one for the suits in Dearborn? Making sure the rest of their camp stay put, in particular Jarrett's current teammate Elliott Sadler.(FoxSports)(5-13-2006)

Now what is the name of this team? Is it still Waltrip-Jasper Racing? Or are they going back to Michael Waltrip Racing or STAR Team-Mikey?

[Probowler299]

Michael Waltrip Racing is my guess.  This is a smart move on DJ's part as far as getting in a competitive ride, but I would have expected he'd rather finish his career at RYR instead of hopping over to a new team the last few seasons.  The way it's looking he's definitely going to be the flagship driver for Toyota next year, and given good equipment he's always capable of winning.  RYR's fallen off the map in recent years, so he'll definitely have a much better chance with Toyota.

[LongislikeKulwicki]

Jarrett announcement this weekend? OFFICAL Jarrett to Waltrip/Toyota: hearing that #88-Dale Jarrett could make his announcement going to Toyota/Michael Waltrip Racing as soon as this weekend at Darlington Raceway. Waltrip is scheduled to make a live announcement on Speed Channel's NASCAR Live, Saturday, May 13th at 12:30pm/et...maybe....(5-12-2006)
OFFICIAL: it was announced on Speed Channel's NASCAR Live at 12:32pm/et that Dale Jarrett, current driver of the #88 UPS Ford for Robert Yates Racing will drive a Toyota for Michael Waltrip Racing in 2007, no word on sponsor, car number, etc.(5-13-2006)

[Trickle]

Michael Waltrip Racing is my guess.  This is a smart move on DJ's part as far as getting in a competitive ride, but I would have expected he'd rather finish his career at RYR instead of hopping over to a new team the last few seasons.  The way it's looking he's definitely going to be the flagship driver for Toyota next year, and given good equipment he's always capable of winning.  RYR's fallen off the map in recent years, so he'll definitely have a much better chance with Toyota.

Michael Waltrip hasn't shown me much as an owner/driver.  I think DJ will struggle.  Waltrip will miss a race very soon.  DEI made him look better than he is.  If it wasn't for Dale Sr.,  Mikey would be doing TV now.

[DJalltheway]

Jarret won't struggle... why? cause Toyota has $ coming from every pore in their body, and DJ is a good driver... I hate to say it, but RYR is slowly going down because of the mega-teams... the only 3 car team that will have a chance is the Toyota team... Mo Money Mo Money Mo Money...  sad N@$$car has come to this...

BTW... I'm in pretty Superior, WI... Nice Holiday Inn Express next to the Bay... Tomarrow I'm bowling the Youth/Adult tourny in Duluth...

[Probowler299]

Michael Waltrip Racing is my guess.  This is a smart move on DJ's part as far as getting in a competitive ride, but I would have expected he'd rather finish his career at RYR instead of hopping over to a new team the last few seasons.  The way it's looking he's definitely going to be the flagship driver for Toyota next year, and given good equipment he's always capable of winning.  RYR's fallen off the map in recent years, so he'll definitely have a much better chance with Toyota.

Michael Waltrip hasn't shown me much as an owner/driver.  I think DJ will struggle.  Waltrip will miss a race very soon.  DEI made him look better than he is.  If it wasn't for Dale Sr.,  Mikey would be doing TV now.

Nobody really seems to understand Toyota's team at all.  Next year WILL NOT be a Michael Waltrip Racing entry for either Jarrett or Waltrip.  Yes, they will carry the name of the MWR company, but that is it.  Toyota makes ALL their cars in one shop and dishes them out to the teams for race weekend.  What you are seeing this year has ABSOLUTELY NO indication of what the team is going to do next year.  If Theresa doesn't get her act together, this team may be better than DEI next year.

[Captain Spyro]

Michael Waltrip Racing is my guess.  This is a smart move on DJ's part as far as getting in a competitive ride, but I would have expected he'd rather finish his career at RYR instead of hopping over to a new team the last few seasons.  The way it's looking he's definitely going to be the flagship driver for Toyota next year, and given good equipment he's always capable of winning.  RYR's fallen off the map in recent years, so he'll definitely have a much better chance with Toyota.

Michael Waltrip hasn't shown me much as an owner/driver.  I think DJ will struggle.  Waltrip will miss a race very soon.  DEI made him look better than he is.  If it wasn't for Dale Sr.,  Mikey would be doing TV now.

Nobody really seems to understand Toyota's team at all.  Next year WILL NOT be a Michael Waltrip Racing entry for either Jarrett or Waltrip.  Yes, they will carry the name of the MWR company, but that is it.  Toyota makes ALL their cars in one shop and dishes them out to the teams for race weekend. 

I thought Toyota stated that they will not be doing that and that the teams would be looking out for themselves.

[Probowler299]

Michael Waltrip Racing is my guess.  This is a smart move on DJ's part as far as getting in a competitive ride, but I would have expected he'd rather finish his career at RYR instead of hopping over to a new team the last few seasons.  The way it's looking he's definitely going to be the flagship driver for Toyota next year, and given good equipment he's always capable of winning.  RYR's fallen off the map in recent years, so he'll definitely have a much better chance with Toyota.

Michael Waltrip hasn't shown me much as an owner/driver.  I think DJ will struggle.  Waltrip will miss a race very soon.  DEI made him look better than he is.  If it wasn't for Dale Sr.,  Mikey would be doing TV now.

Nobody really seems to understand Toyota's team at all.  Next year WILL NOT be a Michael Waltrip Racing entry for either Jarrett or Waltrip.  Yes, they will carry the name of the MWR company, but that is it.  Toyota makes ALL their cars in one shop and dishes them out to the teams for race weekend. 

I thought Toyota stated that they will not be doing that and that the teams would be looking out for themselves.

They said the same thing when they entered the Truck Series.  That means Alex Meshkin must have been a very strong owner.

[Captain Spyro]

Michael Waltrip Racing is my guess.  This is a smart move on DJ's part as far as getting in a competitive ride, but I would have expected he'd rather finish his career at RYR instead of hopping over to a new team the last few seasons.  The way it's looking he's definitely going to be the flagship driver for Toyota next year, and given good equipment he's always capable of winning.  RYR's fallen off the map in recent years, so he'll definitely have a much better chance with Toyota.

Michael Waltrip hasn't shown me much as an owner/driver.  I think DJ will struggle.  Waltrip will miss a race very soon.  DEI made him look better than he is.  If it wasn't for Dale Sr.,  Mikey would be doing TV now.

Nobody really seems to understand Toyota's team at all.  Next year WILL NOT be a Michael Waltrip Racing entry for either Jarrett or Waltrip.  Yes, they will carry the name of the MWR company, but that is it.  Toyota makes ALL their cars in one shop and dishes them out to the teams for race weekend. 

I thought Toyota stated that they will not be doing that and that the teams would be looking out for themselves.

They said the same thing when they entered the Truck Series.  That means Alex Meshkin must have been a very strong owner.

Where did you hear that? I remember that Toyota's plan in the Truck series was to supply the teams with chassis and as far as I know, that was always the plan since the Truck program was first announced.

[Probowler299]

Michael Waltrip Racing is my guess.  This is a smart move on DJ's part as far as getting in a competitive ride, but I would have expected he'd rather finish his career at RYR instead of hopping over to a new team the last few seasons.  The way it's looking he's definitely going to be the flagship driver for Toyota next year, and given good equipment he's always capable of winning.  RYR's fallen off the map in recent years, so he'll definitely have a much better chance with Toyota.

Michael Waltrip hasn't shown me much as an owner/driver.  I think DJ will struggle.  Waltrip will miss a race very soon.  DEI made him look better than he is.  If it wasn't for Dale Sr.,  Mikey would be doing TV now.

Nobody really seems to understand Toyota's team at all.  Next year WILL NOT be a Michael Waltrip Racing entry for either Jarrett or Waltrip.  Yes, they will carry the name of the MWR company, but that is it.  Toyota makes ALL their cars in one shop and dishes them out to the teams for race weekend. 

I thought Toyota stated that they will not be doing that and that the teams would be looking out for themselves.

They said the same thing when they entered the Truck Series.  That means Alex Meshkin must have been a very strong owner.

Where did you hear that? I remember that Toyota's plan in the Truck series was to supply the teams with chassis and as far as I know, that was always the plan since the Truck program was first announced.

There was an article about it somewhere on the net...later on today(can't say tomorrow) I'll go looking for it, but too tired to do so right now.

[LongislikeKulwicki]

UPS? What is up with their plans: UPS was not involved as Michael Waltrip announced to the racing world the signing of Dale Jarrett to drive an as yet un-numbered Toyota Camry in 2007 and 2008. Adding mystery to revelation, Waltrip had to correct himself after first answering questions concerning UPS. "Our teams have sponsorship for our cars in'07 and '08, beyond that anyone in the garage area would be proud to UPS as a sponsor of their car. This isn't about UPS. This is about Michael Waltrip signing Dale Jarrett to drive our cars. We have a sponsor for my car. We have a sponsor for Dale's car." That is where Waltrip stumbled. A misstep he corrected at the first opportunity. "We have sponsorship for my car. We have sponsorship for a second car. I said Dale's car and I didn't mean that," Waltrip explained. Is there a third car in the works or has Waltrip been lucky enough to sign a sponsor who would love to have Jarrett as their driver but is willing to accept another driver should UPS make the decision to sign with Michael Waltrip Racing? Waltrip has entered into a five-race agreement with Burger King and driver Bill Elliott for 2006, which might be a precursor to a full deal with either Jarrett or another drive in '07. Jarrett just might be the next Burger King on the racetrack, or maybe Waltrip is trying to lure Joe Nemechek, the first driver to campaign full time on the NEXTEL circuit for the chain into the Toyota fold. While Toyota has talked of not going beyond the three organizations they've already announced, Bill Davis, Red Bull and Michael Waltrip Racing there has been nothing said that limits the number of cars each organization might run on the track. The only limit is the four-car limit imposed by NASCAR. "NASCAR's pretty much said you need four," interjected Jarrett, when the possibility of a third car was raised. "That's the business model they've created. Obviously, we're smart enough to see that if we had four teams we could operate more efficiently. We've e two teams sponsored. We have two drivers. We might have another. We might not. I don't know. That's the truth and that's as fair as I can say it."(CircleTrackPlus.com)(5-14-2006)

I've heard rumors on the internets about Sadler moving to the 88 UPS ride with a new driver in the 38.

[Probowler299]

UPS? What is up with their plans: UPS was not involved as Michael Waltrip announced to the racing world the signing of Dale Jarrett to drive an as yet un-numbered Toyota Camry in 2007 and 2008. Adding mystery to revelation, Waltrip had to correct himself after first answering questions concerning UPS. "Our teams have sponsorship for our cars in'07 and '08, beyond that anyone in the garage area would be proud to UPS as a sponsor of their car. This isn't about UPS. This is about Michael Waltrip signing Dale Jarrett to drive our cars. We have a sponsor for my car. We have a sponsor for Dale's car." That is where Waltrip stumbled. A misstep he corrected at the first opportunity. "We have sponsorship for my car. We have sponsorship for a second car. I said Dale's car and I didn't mean that," Waltrip explained. Is there a third car in the works or has Waltrip been lucky enough to sign a sponsor who would love to have Jarrett as their driver but is willing to accept another driver should UPS make the decision to sign with Michael Waltrip Racing? Waltrip has entered into a five-race agreement with Burger King and driver Bill Elliott for 2006, which might be a precursor to a full deal with either Jarrett or another drive in '07. Jarrett just might be the next Burger King on the racetrack, or maybe Waltrip is trying to lure Joe Nemechek, the first driver to campaign full time on the NEXTEL circuit for the chain into the Toyota fold. While Toyota has talked of not going beyond the three organizations they've already announced, Bill Davis, Red Bull and Michael Waltrip Racing there has been nothing said that limits the number of cars each organization might run on the track. The only limit is the four-car limit imposed by NASCAR. "NASCAR's pretty much said you need four," interjected Jarrett, when the possibility of a third car was raised. "That's the business model they've created. Obviously, we're smart enough to see that if we had four teams we could operate more efficiently. We've e two teams sponsored. We have two drivers. We might have another. We might not. I don't know. That's the truth and that's as fair as I can say it."(CircleTrackPlus.com)(5-14-2006)

I've heard rumors on the internets about Sadler moving to the 88 UPS ride with a new driver in the 38.

There's a lot of rumors out there about UPS right now.  Jayski posted one which has a very unique sound to it last night.  In Mikey's interview he said "we have sponsorship for my car and we have sponsorship for Dale's car...I mean a second car."  So apparently they already have two sponsors lined up, and still holding on the decision from UPS - they very well could field three cars next year.

[Katesdad]

I really didnt see that coming ....Dale J jumping ship on Ford and RYR.

[surfbabe]

My 14 year old son is a huge DJ fan and has high hopes for DJ, he enjoyed DJ's tenure with RYR however that organization seems to have been floundering these past couple of years maybe change will do both RYR and DJ good. While there are many Ford fans in my family we all wish DJ future success in the twilight years of his career and the same goes for RYR in their future endeavors. And Gosh we didnt see this one comming at my house either, I must say the upcomming departure angered some Yates fans ( notice I use the words Yates fans not Jarrett fans ) at another forum I frequent.

[special K]

Michael Waltrip Racing is my guess.  This is a smart move on DJ's part as far as getting in a competitive ride, but I would have expected he'd rather finish his career at RYR instead of hopping over to a new team the last few seasons.  The way it's looking he's definitely going to be the flagship driver for Toyota next year, and given good equipment he's always capable of winning.  RYR's fallen off the map in recent years, so he'll definitely have a much better chance with Toyota.

Michael Waltrip hasn't shown me much as an owner/driver.  I think DJ will struggle.  Waltrip will miss a race very soon.  DEI made him look better than he is.  If it wasn't for Dale Sr.,  Mikey would be doing TV now.

I can't believe I am going to say this, but...I actually agree with Trickle on this.

Did I really say that?  lol